Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando da Cruz outlines Luke Baartman’s changing role

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz says Luke Baartman’s development will be helped by learning to operate in several positions after the 20-year-old made an impressive start to the new season.

Baartman has started all three of Kaizer Chiefs’ opening matches under Da Cruz and scored his first goal for the club in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United.

The forward joined Kaizer Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs after emerging as one of South African football’s most promising young players. He made seven appearances for the club last season, but has quickly become a more regular part of Da Cruz’s plans since the Frenchman’s arrival.

Baartman has primarily been used in a wide position, despite being recognised earlier in his career as a more central attacker with a strong finishing record. He played in that role during his youth development and while progressing into the senior team at Cape Town Spurs, also known as the Urban Warriors.

Da Cruz believes the tactical flexibility required in modern football can add important elements to Baartman’s game.

“Modern football players can play in many positions, young players like Baartman, it’s important to give him more tools to play in different roles,” he said.

“The most important thing for him is to read the game, knowing what to do now in this situation where he plays.”

The coach said Baartman’s form during pre-season in Spain, and his continued contribution in competitive matches, had made him an increasingly important player for Kaizer Chiefs.

Da Cruz highlighted the qualities that persuaded him to give the South Africa Under-20 international a prominent role in the team.

“It’s a player with good technical qualities that’s interesting, and also a player with good explosively when he plays football, a young player who listens to what the coaches ask which is very important to me,” he said.

Baartman’s willingness to follow instructions has also been central to Da Cruz’s assessment of his progress. The coach said young players must be prepared to accept guidance as they gain experience at senior level.

“The most important thing for young players is to listen to what the coach wants, sometimes young players act experiences, so for me, that’s what’s good, he understands what I want.

“Bur with his lack of experience he will need time to recover, so there will be moments in the season where we need to protect him.”

Da Cruz’s comments suggest Baartman’s place in the team will continue to be managed carefully during the campaign. While his three consecutive starts and his goal against Sekhukhune United underline his growing importance, the Kaizer Chiefs head coach stressed that the young forward will need time and support as he adapts to different responsibilities.

For Baartman, the early-season run represents a significant increase in involvement after a limited first campaign with the club. His ability to contribute from a wider position, while continuing to develop the qualities that made him effective as a central attacker, is now a key part of Da Cruz’s plans.